What audio system do you have, or plan on getting?

[Spotted Horses]

No loss in detail, no audible distortion, flat frequency response.  I can't explain it, but it definitely sounded better than my previous dac in a way that is difficult to describe.  Like better soundstage, more laid back presentation but I can't say it where it comes from.  I guess resistor ladder dacs just sound different from the chip based.

I guess I'd be curious to hear it, but a $2000 DAC isn't in my future.

I have various DACs, ranging from $20 to $200 (a Schiit Modi) but only hear barely detectable differences which I can't say represent superiority of one or another. The expensive one definitely has better volume knob.

It seems counterintuitive that a resistor ladder DAC, no matter how carefully hand-tweaked, would have better linearity. Back in the day when resistor ladder DACs and ADCs were the standard they were notorious for bad differential nonlinearity and sigma-delta style DACS made them utterly obsolete. I suspect (without proof) they have some sort of distortion that is pleasing for physiological/psychological reasons.

[AnotherSpin]

No loss in detail, no audible distortion, flat frequency response.  I can't explain it, but it definitely sounded better than my previous dac in a way that is difficult to describe.  Like better soundstage, more laid back presentation but I can't say it where it comes from.  I guess resistor ladder dacs just sound different from the chip based.

You're entering dangerous waters, I'm afraid. The laid back presentation can't be measured.

[DavidW]

It seems counterintuitive that a resistor ladder DAC, no matter how carefully hand-tweaked, would have better linearity. Back in the day when resistor ladder DACs and ADCs were the standard they were notorious for bad differential nonlinearity and sigma-delta style DACS made them utterly obsolete. I suspect (without proof) they have some sort of distortion that is pleasing for physiological/psychological reasons.

Well ASR has measured it and you're wrong, it has low distortion, even fr.  It doesn't measure as well as most delta-sigma dacs but it is no slouch and certainly not like the primitive dacs of the 80s.

Also it costs more like $900 not $2k.

[Spotted Horses]

Well ASR has measured it and you're wrong, it has low distortion, even fr.  It doesn't measure as well as most delta-sigma dacs but it is no slouch and certainly not like the primitive dacs of the 80s.

Also it costs more like $900 not $2k.

I thought google shopping showed me a Pontus model for about $2k. In any case, still out of my budget...

[DavidW]

I thought google shopping showed me a Pontus model for about $2k. In any case, still out of my budget...

I didn't buy the Pontus, I bought the Ares/Enyo.  Also the seller shows the currency in Singapore $ instead of usd.  Even the Pontus doesn't cost $2k usd (wouldn't be surprised if their flagship did though).

[Valentino]

Every time I see a R2R DAC board or a DAC with tuneable antialiasing filters I think "but why?". That said I have a turntable and I still collect LPs so I shouldn't think like that.
Inferior can be fun too.

[Fëanor]

No loss in detail, no audible distortion, flat frequency response.  I can't explain it, but it definitely sounded better than my previous dac in a way that is difficult to describe.  Like better soundstage, more laid back presentation but I can't say it where it comes from.  I guess resistor ladder dacs just sound different from the chip based.

FWIW, most R2R, ladder-based DACs are chip based. Discrete resistor array DACS, à la Denafrips, are essentially an affectation.

[DavidW]

FWIW, most R2R, ladder-based DACs are chip based. Discrete resistor array DACS, à la Denafrips, are essentially an affectation.

I wasn't aware.  Do you happen to know who currently are the reputable brands for R2R?  Not that I'm going to buy, if I do an upgrade it would be with speakers and that would not be happening soon since I bought a lawn tractor and furnishing for a spare room.

[Bachtoven]

FWIW, most R2R, ladder-based DACs are chip based. Discrete resistor array DACS, à la Denafrips, are essentially an affectation.

The chips in Denafrips DACs are FPGA, not off the shelf ESS Sabre or something. Let's not get into a debate over chips or anything really...there's a separate thread for that.

[Holden]

The chips in Denafrips DACs are FPGA, not off the shelf ESS Sabre or something. Let's not get into a debate over chips or anything really...there's a separate thread for that.

I had to look up FPGA and find the concept of being able to program or reprogram them after they have been manufactured quite interesting. Would this be why Denafrips is highly regarded?

[Bachtoven]

I had to look up FPGA and find the concept of being able to program or reprogram them after they have been manufactured quite interesting. Would this be why Denafrips is highly regarded?

That's probably part of it, although I imagine it's the sum total of their design that garners the praise. My Chord DAC uses all FPGA chips (no resistor ladders, though), and I think it sounds richer and less "digital" than the various ESS Sabre chip-based DACS that I have owned and currently own (the one in my amp and Oppo 205 blu-ray player).

[Harry]

I have been listening to the Stax SR-X9000 headphones at the dutch dealer, and it convinced me to be the one I have to have, so its now in my possession. I have on loan some gear to get it up and running, and it sounds fantastic.
Thanks @AnotherSpin for to tip!

[AnotherSpin]

I have been listening to the Stax SR-X9000 headphones at the dutch dealer, and it convinced me to be the one I have to have, so its now in my possession. I have on loan some gear to get it up and running, and it sounds fantastic.
Thanks @AnotherSpin for to tip!

That's great news! I'm happy for you!

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I have been listening to the Stax SR-X9000 headphones at the dutch dealer, and it convinced me to be the one I have to have, so its now in my possession. I have on loan some gear to get it up and running, and it sounds fantastic.
Thanks @AnotherSpin for to tip!

Glad that you are pleased with them!  Out of curiosity, what did you have to borrow in order to use the headphones?

PD

[DavidW]

I have been listening to the Stax SR-X9000 headphones at the dutch dealer, and it convinced me to be the one I have to have, so its now in my possession. I have on loan some gear to get it up and running, and it sounds fantastic.
Thanks @AnotherSpin for to tip!

Does it require its own special amp like the Sennheiser Orpheus?

[Harry]

SPEAKERS: B&W 803D3
AMPLIFIER McIntosh MA9000
CD/SACD PLAYER: Esoteric K-03
DAC: Chord Qutest
MUSIC SERVER: Roon Nucleus Plus
TURNTABLE: VPI Prime Signature
PHONO CARTRIDGE: Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
BLU-RAY/DVD PLAYER: Oppo 205
HEADPHONES: Sennheiser HD800S and Focal Stellia

Welcome back my friend

[AnotherSpin]

SPEAKERS: B&W 803D3
AMPLIFIER McIntosh MA9000
CD/SACD PLAYER: Esoteric K-03
DAC: Chord Qutest
MUSIC SERVER: Roon Nucleus Plus
TURNTABLE: VPI Prime Signature
PHONO CARTRIDGE: Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
BLU-RAY/DVD PLAYER: Oppo 205
HEADPHONES: Sennheiser HD800S and Focal Stellia

Nice components.

[DavidW]

I'm getting some bargain speakers tomorrow.  I've set up a spare room as a den, the only problem is that while I'm happy with the tv, I could do better than tv audio.

[DavidW]

I just want to remind everyone that audiophile debates are no longer allowed on this thread.  This place is now exclusively for sharing our gear only.

Discussing the merits of equipment is also fine as long as it is not "is this snake oil?"  

[Todd]

I guess the deletion of a simple and legitimate inquiry answers the question.